Silk Brass (AstraZeneca) has announced that Mark Davies has joined them as their new Principal Cornet player.

Well known

Mark is a well known and popular player on the Cheshire banding scene. He started playing the cornet at school, way back in 1974, and since then he has developed into a renowned soloist. During his 34 year playing career he has played with bands such as Fodens, United Co-op Crewe and Roberts Bakery.

Delighted

Jim Cant, Silk’s conductor told 4BR: "I am delighted to welcome Mark to the band. He is a very talented player and I look forward to working with him as the band continues to improve and looks for new challenges."

I’m very happy to join Silk Brass. Banding is in my blood and it’s lovely to be involved with such a great bunch of people that have the same philosophy as mineMark Davies

Very happy

Commenting on his appointment Mark added: "I’m very happy to join Silk Brass. Banding is in my blood and it’s lovely to be involved with such a great bunch of people that have the same philosophy as mine – give your playing all you can, but have a good time as well. Also Jim is a very talented and generous conductor who makes a principal’s job very rewarding. I’m looking forward to a very long and happy time with Silk."

The position of Principal Cornet became vacant when Silk’s previous Principal Cornet player, Carl Gratty decided to take a break from banding due to the pressures of work and family commitments. Carl had lead the band for four very successful years and he leaves the Band on a very stable footing.

Thanks

Bob Goodwin, Silk’s Bandmaster told 4BR: "We are all disappointed that Carl has decided to hang up his mouthpiece, he has contributed greatly to the Band’s success over recent years and has made great progress as a soloist, but we all know what a commitment it is to play in a brass band and we wish him all the best in the future. It’s good to know that he won’t be stranger and he’ll be coming back to play with us whenever he can."